Of “white crows” and “cash savers:” A qualitative study of travel behavior and perceptions of ridesharing in Denmark

Based on original research collected through semi-structured research interviews and five focus groups throughout Denmark, this study explores Danish perceptions about ad hoc, acquaintance-based, and organization-based ridesharing (“carpooling”). Using a grounded, qualitative factor analysis approach, it investigates the elements that influence the adoption (and non-adoption) of ridesharing and identifies market segments and business models that may enable planners to overcome existing barriers. The article finds that Danish drivers and commuters appear to be split on the topic. Negative perceptions reported by respondents include lack of availability and difficulty finding rides, viewing ridesharing as unsafe or unsecure, and expectations of social awkwardness, among others. Positive perceptions reported include cost savings compared to public and private transport, greater flexibility of travel times, and the ability to socialize with vehicle occupants. These contrasting views lead us to conclude that existing theories and models of ridesharing behavior may need to be fundamentally rethought, both in Denmark and possibly elsewhere. The authors' results also suggest that ridesharing efforts framed around climate change or environmental sustainability will not likely be successful in Denmark.

• Record URL:
  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tra.2015.04.033
• Record URL:
  http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965856415001196
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/09658564
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract reprinted with permission of Elsevier.
• Authors:
  • Nielsen, Jesper Riber
  • Hovmøller, Harald
  • Blyth, Pascale-L
  • Sovacool, Benjamin K
• Publication Date: 2015-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 113-123
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice
  • Volume: 78
  • Publisher: Elsevier
  • ISSN: 0965-8564
  • Serial URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/09658564

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Carpools; Commuters; Drivers; Factor analysis; Modal shift; Ridesharing; Stated preferences; Sustainable transportation; Travel behavior
• Geographic Terms: Denmark
• Subject Areas: Highways; Planning and Forecasting; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01573919
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 27 2015 11:25AM